Ellen Zimmerman was a key leader for Wildsight and a tenacious champion for nature conservation in the Columbia Valley for more than 40 years until her passing in 2020.

Those of us who worked with Ellen recall her deep passion for nature, her unrelenting commitment to defending it and her strength to persevere and succeed as a female environmental advocate in a rural, resource industry-dominated community.

“It is in my nature to be tenacious, to never give up — from the start I committed to the long haul.”

To honour Ellen’s contributions and incredible legacy, the Ellen Zimmerman Award was established to support conservation and environmental education champions in the Columbia Headwaters region (stretching from Canal Flats to Revelstoke).

The award will be accepting nominations until March 15.

Funds for the award are also being accepted throughout the year.

“Ellen helped to pave the way for women in the environmental movement,” said Robyn Duncan, Wildsight’s Executive Director. “Ellen was passion embodied – fiery, passionate and doggedly stubborn, she never backed down from a fight to protect nature or defend women’s rights. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy.”

Nominate a conservation champion here.

Pat Morrow photos

Wildsight

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